Boko haram feared dead as troops repel in Maiduguri

Suspected members of dreaded Boko Haram insurgents 
who stormed Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno state with six hilux vehicles mounted with Anti Aircraft Guns and several motorcycles were feared dead when troops repelled the attack which took place on Wednesday at about 6pm.

The sporadic shooting by the terrorists at the residents led to
the killing of unspecified number of people before setting
ablaze houses. Unconfirmed sources have said.

This incident is coming barely 24 hours when four suicide
bombers sneaked into Maiduguri Metropolis through Muna
Alkomi General area of Konduga Local Government Area, living three civilians dead and 16 others injured after detonating explosives strapped on their bodies.

Magumeri which is in Northern Borno Senatorial District
 and about 45km away from Maiduguri has been peaceful 
for over few years.

Fleeing residents who spoke to our Correspondent said, 
the insurgents who were armed with AK47 rifles, petrol LPbombs and other dangerous weapons unleashed terror before confrontation by troops of 8 Task Force Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

“Our town is under heavy attack this evening, the insurgents
large in number stormed Magumeri at about 6:30pm when
Muslim Ummah were performing Magrib prayers.

“I cannot ascertain the number of casualty as we were all
terrified and scamper for safety, i can see flames all over
some places in the town”. Mallam Ali Baba Umar, a fleeing
resident said.

Confirming the incident on Thursday (Today) in a statement,
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Usman
 Sani Kukasheka said, Troops of 8 Task Force Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE have thwarted attack of Magumeri town, Borno State Wednesday evening.

“The terrorists who came with some vehicles at about
 6.00pm attempted to set the town ablaze and kill the residents but the timely intervention of the troops prevented that mishap.

“The troops have neutralized quite a number of the 
attackers and those that escaped with gun shot wounds
 are being pursued.

“So far, the troops have recovered 3 vehicles and large quantity of arms and ammunition.

“While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is
imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows 
that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community. The terrorists that attack the village are well known to the people.

“It should also be noted that the village was never
 attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for 
some inexplicable reasons. The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists 
and the villagers.

“Consequently, we are constrained to state that it’s now high
time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help
the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect
them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to 
continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram
 terrorist in their midst.

“The terrorists must be exposed and their movements
promptly reported to the security agencies. The terrorists are
inhuman and barbaric, therefore cannot be trusted to spare
anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts.

“It is imperative that all communities in the North East
especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the 
military and the Security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages”. Sani said.